Hydro assist really necessary?

[kdfhuey]

Good morning from sunny and freakin humid Florida! So I’ve currently got 35” tires and wanting to go bigger (37 or 40”) but I keep hearing that once you go to 37” or higher you should get hydro assist. So I don’t really put the Jeep into anything significant in the way of off-roading and it’s mostly a mall crawler. Should I invest in a pack big bore kit or the Apex kit or just take my chances? I know the wheels start to get really heavy and puts a lot more strain in the steering box.

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[Lynn_F]

I've been running 40's for about 10k miles and have had no issues with the steering. I do not rock crawl or do anything approximately close to that...its a daily driver and weekend beach cruiser.

 

[Renegade]

Check out the Apex power steering booster. It reportedly works well, eliminating the need for hydro for up to 40” tires.
https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

 

[Troybilt]

Check out the Apex power steering booster. It reportedly works well, eliminating the need for hydro for up to 40” tires.
https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

I was looking into that. So much work installing it. Not sure it would be worth the effort.

 

[kdfhuey]

Check out the Apex power steering booster. It reportedly works well, eliminating the need for hydro for up to 40” tires.
https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

I really like that solution as well. Much cheaper than the PSC option.

 

[ttn333]

I'm running 37s and have not* felt the need for steering assist even on trails aired down to 17psi. Everyone once in awhile I hit a spot and it feels heavy but not a concern, just a reminder that I'm running 37s.

edit: meant to say "have not".

 

[kdfhuey]

I've been running 40's for about 10k miles and have had no issues with the steering. I do not rock crawl or do anything approximately close to that...its a daily driver and weekend beach cruiser.

How’s the steering response on that when moving 40” tires?

 

[kdfhuey]

I'm running 37s and have felt the need for steering assist even on trails aired down to 17psi. Everyone once in awhile I hit a spot and it feels heavy but not a concern, just a reminder that I'm running 37s.

Yeah I’m also thinking that if I’m just doing normal driving it may not be necessary. I definitely think if I was hitting the trails I would need it but not sure as just a daily driver that it’s necessary

 

[Lynn_F]

How’s the steering response on that when moving 40” tires?

I really haven't noticed too much of a difference from the 37's I had prior. I just don't do too many things to test it.

 

[piroman683]

I've been running 37's for almost a year (35's for 2 years before that) and 4.56 gears. I do a lot of high speed desert trails, whoops and jumps and steering feels fine. I just finished over 10k mile trip, first was 2k in Baja Mexico, then 8k cross country with lots of off roading in Sedona, and Moab. Moab was a workout. Steering feels fine and I'm at 53,000 miles. My opinion is the PSC system is not necessary. The small upgrade might be, and it seems worth it for only $175.

The JT is a tank

 

[Shadowmaker]

OP - My pops lives in Viera.

37s don't care about a PSC especially when you are rock free. I doubt 40s would matter for a flatlander.

 

[Rusty PW]

Mild offroading. I wouldn't worry about it. It when you get into rock gardens and such that you should start thinking about it. I installed the PSC hydro system on my Power Wagon when I broke my steering box in Moab.

 

[hjdca]

With my 37s at 12 PSI with the front lockers on, in the rock gardens -- is where I feel the issue and need the PSC, but, I usually do not use my front locker in the rock gardens, only my rear locker... It is too hard to precisely turn the front tires in the rocks with the front locker on. Usually, I only switch the front locker on during scary, tough steep climbs. I 4wheel almost every weekend with a group, and we do tough trails (ie. badge of Honor), and I do not plan to get a PSC.
Note: I can see where a PSC can break something in the right situation in the rocks. I have had my steering wheel completely pinned in the rocks where I had to back up to free it.... I can see a PSC forcing it in that situation and maybe breaking something...

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